Kia Soul EV e, base & + Trim Comparison

Last updated August 4, 2026

Kia Soul EV

The Kia Soul EV lineup consists of the e, base, and +. The California-only e is the essentials-focused entry trim. The base is the practical core model, adding the lineup’s larger touchscreen, built-in navigation, and rearview camera. The + is the comfort-focused top trim, with richer seating, added cold-weather comfort, and parking aids. All three use the same basic electric drivetrain and charging hardware, so the main differences are cabin technology and comfort rather than performance.

What each trim is known for

Kia Soul EV Entry-level EV

Entry-level EV

e

The Entry-level EV trim level — the e — is the California-only essentials version, pairing the Soul EV’s standard electric hardware with useful everyday comfort features.

Best for: Electric commuters who value simplicity, heated essentials, and the lower-frills side of the lineup.


Highlights

  • Same electric motor and charging hardware as the higher trims
  • Heated front seats and heated steering wheel
  • Smart Key with push-button start
  • Driver-only climate mode
0 in stock
Kia Soul EV Core Model EV

Core Model EV

base

The Core Model EV trim level — the base — is the well-equipped everyday model, adding useful cabin technology without moving into the + trim’s premium upgrades.

Best for: Shoppers who want the Soul EV’s practical electric setup with built-in navigation and a rearview camera.


Highlights

  • Larger touchscreen with built-in navigation
  • Rearview camera
  • Heated front seats and heated steering wheel
  • Smart Key with push-button start

Adds the larger touchscreen, built-in navigation, and rearview camera over the e while keeping the same basic electric drivetrain and charging setup.

0 in stock
Kia Soul EV Premium EV

Premium EV

+

The Premium EV trim level — the + — is the comfort-focused version, with richer seating and added convenience for passengers and parking.

Best for: Drivers who want the Soul EV’s compact electric practicality with a more upscale, comfort-oriented cabin.


Highlights

  • Leather-trimmed seats
  • Heated and ventilated front seats
  • Heated rear outboard seats
  • Front and rear parking sensors

Adds leather seating, ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, front and rear parking sensors, and power-folding heated mirrors over the base.

1 in stock

Trim comparison

FeaturePremium EVCore Model EVEntry-level EV
Includes
Built-in navigation and rearview cameraStandardStandardNot included
Leather-trimmed seatsStandard
Ventilated front seatsStandard
Heated rear outboard seatsStandard
Front and rear parking sensorsStandard
Power-folding heated mirrorsStandard

Frequently asked questions

What trim levels did the Kia Soul EV come in?

The main U.S. trims were Base and +, often written as EV and EV+. A simpler California-only EV-e joined them from 2016 through 2018.

What is the Kia Soul EV-e trim?

The EV-e was the California-only entry trim from 2016 through 2018. It kept the same motor, battery, and charging hardware as higher trims but used simpler infotainment and fewer premium cabin features.

What is the Kia Soul EV Base trim?

The Base, also called EV, was the core trim throughout the U.S. run. On later models it paired the standard electric drivetrain with an 8-inch navigation touchscreen, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and keyless start.

What does the + mean on a Kia Soul EV?

The +, also called EV+, is the comfort-focused top trim. On later models it adds leather-trimmed seating, ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, parking sensors, and power-folding heated mirrors.

What is the difference between the Soul EV-e and Base trims?

During the EV-e's 2016-2018 run, both used the same electric drivetrain and charging hardware. The Base was the more fully equipped version, with the larger navigation touchscreen and added cabin technology.

What does the Soul EV+ add over the Base trim?

On later models, the EV+ adds leather-trimmed seats, front-seat ventilation, heated rear outboard seats, front and rear parking sensors, and power-folding heated mirrors. Battery range and power remain the same.

Do all Kia Soul EV trims have the same range and power?

Yes, within the same model year. The trim differences are mainly comfort and technology; the EV-e, Base, and + share the same battery, 109-hp motor, front-wheel drive, and charging hardware for their respective years.

Which Kia Soul EV trim makes sense for a simple commuter?

The EV-e is the simplest fit among 2016-2018 California models because it keeps the same range and charging hardware with fewer extras. Outside that limited run, the Base is the straightforward everyday trim.

Which Kia Soul EV trim has the most comfort features?

The +, or EV+, is the comfort-focused pick. On later models it brings leather-trimmed seats, ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, and upgraded parking and mirror features.

Which Kia Soul EV trims have heated or ventilated seats?

In the later three-trim lineup, EV-e and Base include heated front seats. The + adds ventilated front seats and heated rear outboard seats, giving it the broadest cold- and warm-weather seating features.

Which Kia Soul EV trim has parking sensors?

On later models, the + trim has front and rear parking sensors. The Base and EV-e do not share that premium parking feature, though later versions have a rearview camera.

Which Kia Soul EV trims have the larger navigation screen?

On later models, Base and + use an 8-inch touchscreen with built-in navigation and a rearview camera. The California-only EV-e has a simpler infotainment setup rather than the larger navigation system.